Right to Equality (Articles 14 - 18)

The right to equality provides for the equal treatment of everyone before the law, prevents

discrimination on various grounds, treats everybody as equals in matters of public employment,

and abolishes untouchability, and titles

Right to Equality:

Before knowing about the right to equality, aspirants should know the types of equality to get an

idea of what it is. It is also mentioned in our Preamble. The types of equality are:

1. Natural

2. Social

3. Civil

4. Political

5. Economic

6. Legal

The Right to Equality is one of the Fundamental Rights enshrined in the Constitution of India. It

is very important to understand what this right entails and includes:

Right to Equality:

ArticleBrief description

Article

14

The State shall not deny to any person

equality before the law or the equal

protection of the laws within the

territory of India, on grounds of

religion, race, caste, sex or place of

birth

Article

15

The State shall not discriminate

against any citizen on grounds only

of religion, race, caste, sex, place of

birth or any of them.

Article

16

There shall be equality of opportunity

for all citizens in matters relating to

employment or appointment to any

office under the State.

Article

17

Abolition of untouchability

Article

18

Abolition of all titles except military

and academic

Equality before the law (Article 14)

• Article 14 treats all people the same in the eyes of the law.

• This provision states that all citizens will be treated equally before the law.

• The law of the country protects everybody equally.

• Under the same circumstances, the law will treat people in the same manner.

Prohibition of discrimination (Article 15)

• This article prohibits discrimination in any manner.

• No citizen shall, on grounds only of race, religion, caste, place of birth, sex or any of them,

be subject to any liability, disability, restriction or condition with respect to:

• Access to public places

• Use of tanks, wells, ghats, etc. that are maintained by the State or that are meant for the

general public

• The article also mentions that special provision can be made for women, children and the

backward classes notwithstanding this article.

Equality of opportunity in matters of public employment (Article 16)

• Article 16 provides equal employment opportunities in State service for all citizens.

• No citizen shall be discriminated against in matters of public employment or appointment

on the grounds of race, religion, caste, sex, place of birth, descent or residence.

• Exceptions to this can be made for providing special provisions for the backward classes.

Abolition of untouchability (Article 17)

• Article 17 prohibits the practice of untouchability.

• Untouchability is abolished in all forms.

• Any disability arising out of untouchability is made an offence.

Abolition of titles (Article 18)

• Article 18 abolishes titles.

• The State shall not confer any titles except those which are academic or military titles.

• The article also prohibits citizens of India from accepting any titles from a foreign State.

• The article abolishes the titles that were awarded by the British such as Rai Bahadur, Khan

Bahadur, etc.

• Awards like Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, Bharat Ratna and military

honours like Ashok Chakra, Param Vir Chakra do not belong to this category.

credit: Yana Soni

clg name: biyani law college